GEORGE NEWS - From quiet beginnings in the Garden Route to a podium finish in Africa’s biggest horse race - that’s the story of Selukwe, a five-year-old gelding bred at La Plaisance Stud just outside George by Morné and Karen de Villiers.

Up until July last year, Selukwe had only one win and two placings under his belt, with earnings of about R89 000. But since being moved to Durban for training at Plattner Racing’s Summerveld yard, the late-blooming gelding has blossomed into a serious competitor. 

He has since notched up five more wins and nine placings, boosting his career earnings to over R1.3m.

His latest and most impressive result came in the Hollywoodbets Durban July last weekend, where he ran a brilliant race, with jockey Serino Moodley, to secure a place in the top three, finishing just under three lengths behind the winner, The Real Prince.

“It’s just an honour to get your horse into the Durban July,” said a delighted Morné after the race. 

“For him to then run a place - we are absolutely elated.”

Selukwe races in the colours of Sabine Plattner, with whom the De Villiers family co-owns him. 

Plattner is no stranger to racing success, and her silks were seen in the winner’s circle again on the same day when her horse, Zeitz, won the Premier Gateway International Handicap, a listed race.

In yet another proud moment for the Plattner team, their home-bred and trained runner, O’Tenikwa, also from La Plaisance Stud, finished third in the Grade 3 Post Merchants, capping off a remarkable day for the Summerveld stable.

Looking ahead, Selukwe’s team hopes to enter him in one more major race this year, after which all eyes will be on keeping him sound and well for another go at the Durban July in 2026.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’